How much does a moving truck rental cost?
How much does a moving truck rental cost?
$20 – $130 average rental cost per day (local)
$300 – $500 average rental cost per day (long-distance)
Moving truck rental cost
A moving truck rental costs $20 to $130 per day on average for local moves, plus $0.70 to $2.00 per mile. One-way, long-distance moves cost $300 to $500 per day or $1,500 to $3,500 total for 5 to 7 days. Towing a car or pulling a trailer costs more.
| Type of move | Average truck rental cost per day |
|---|---|
| Local move | $20 – $130 |
| Long-distance move | $300 – $500 |
Most moving truck rental companies also require you to return the truck with a full tank of fuel.
Local moving truck rental cost comparison
Renting a moving truck for a local move costs $20 to $130 per day, depending on its size:
| Truck size (feet) | Average cost per day | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 12 | $20 – $30 | Studio apartment or one bedroom |
| 14 – 20 | $30 – $80 | 2 to 3 bedrooms |
| 22 – 26 | $40 – $130 | 4 or more bedrooms |
Moving truck companies also charge a fee of $0.70 to $2.00 per mile in addition to the daily rate for local moves.
Other vehicle types
Renting a cargo van or pickup truck costs $20 to $120 per day and is ideal for a small studio or one-bedroom apartment. Trucks and vans are best for local moves or tight spaces, but you may need to make multiple trips to transport everything.
Plan as far in advance as possible. Waiting until the last minute will leave you with fewer options or a truck that's the wrong size.
Long-distance moving truck rental cost
One-way long-distance moving truck rentals cost $300 to $500 per day or $1,500 to $3,500 total. Most truck companies charge a flat fee that covers 5 to 7 days and unlimited miles for one-way trips.
If you're moving to another state or cross-country and will not be returning the truck to the same location, you'll end up paying much more than the truck rental cost for a local move. However, renting a truck is still cheaper than the average $3,000 to $9,500 cost to move out of state with a professional moving company.
Moving truck rental cost factors
The following factors will affect your moving truck rental cost:
Duration – Moving truck rental companies use a daily rate for local moves and a flat rate for 5 to 7 days for long-distance moves. Be sure to return the vehicle within the 24-hour mark to avoid paying for an extra day.
Towing – Most companies charge $45 to $100 total for a tow dolly or a car carrier. Tow dollies attach the front of your car to the truck, while car carriers lift the whole car off the ground.
Moving date – The majority of moves happen during summer, so moving during this time usually costs more. Scheduling your move during other seasons can help you save money.
Insurance – Moving truck insurance costs $20 to $40 per day on average and covers any damage to the truck. Insurance is not required, but it's recommended for peace of mind.
Other fees – Moving truck rental companies may charge extra for environmental fees, taxes, or fuel refill services.
Professional movers – Movers charge $50 to $100+ per hour per mover to load or unload the truck for you.
Packing services – Packing services cost $280 to $1,000 to have a moving company pack a 2-bedroom home or $1,000 to $2,500 to pack a 3- or 4-bedroom home.
Storage unit or moving pod:
Renting a storage unit costs $125 to $175 per month on average, depending on the size and location.
A moving pod costs $300 to $600+ for local moves of less than 100 miles or $3,000 to $8,000 on average for long-distance moves, depending on the total distance and the container size.
Extra equipment
Most rental truck companies charge extra for the following items:
$5 to $20 for moving blankets or pads
$7 to $15 for a furniture or utility dolly
$20 to $50 for tow-behind trailers, which are 4'x8' to 6'x12' in size
Moving truck rental FAQs
What is the cheapest moving truck rental company?
Budget Truck Rental typically has the lowest overall prices for rental trucks. Other companies sometimes have lower initial quotes, but Budget is known for having the lowest prices after fees and taxes.
If you only need to move a few large items locally, Home Depot offers 75-minute rentals for pickup trucks, cargo vans, and small flatbed trucks for $19.
Where can I rent a moving truck?
You can rent a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, Penske, or Budget. Enterprise and Home Depot also offer truck rentals for local moves. You may find local moving companies with better deals in your area, but remember to research customer reviews before making your final choice.
If you have AAA, you are eligible for a 12% to 20% discount at Penske truck rental locations.
Do I need insurance for a moving truck rental?
Buying insurance for your moving truck rental will cover any damage in case of emergency, saving you money if you make a costly mistake. Most people assume their auto insurance policy or credit card coverage applies to moving trucks, but it only covers rental cars.
Do moving trucks have to stop at weigh stations?
Many states do not require moving trucks to stop at weigh stations because they're not commercial vehicles, but some do. Check the highway regulations for each state you'll be driving through to avoid fees.
Getting estimates from moving truck rental companies
Before renting a moving truck, follow these steps:
Get at least three estimates from moving truck rental companies to compare.
Check out their company reviews on Google.
Get a detailed estimate and contract before driving the truck.
Ask for a copy of their insurance policy if you purchase truck insurance.
Consider hiring local movers near you to load or unload the truck for you.
Questions to ask truck rental companies
Before the job starts, ask the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
What size truck do you recommend?
Does this estimate include taxes and fees?
Do you have the truck size I need in stock?
Is there a mileage limit for local moves?
Do I need to return the truck with a full tank of fuel?
Do you offer any discounts?
What does the rental truck insurance cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.